Firefox OS Launching on ZTE Handsets Soon

Mozilla has been hard at work on a Firefox operating system that will power mobile devices, mostly of the lower-end variety. The OS has been rumored to be launching first in Brazil in early 2013. Now, hardware maker ZTE is rumored to be the first to get devices on the market, and they are expected very soon.

ZTE has several Android phones on the market currently, and the move to partner with Mozilla came as a bit of a surprise. “We are trying to increase our efforts in coming up with our own operating system, while introducing products based on Android,” said ZTE spokesman David Dai Shu.”It’s all part of our wider plans to create a better balance of products using various operating systems. We won’t just rely on Android or Windows.”

With Android and iOS leading the market, and Windows Phone slowly making up ground, it will be extremely tough for Mozilla get any foothold, especially given that they are several months away from launch. However, their attempt to aim at the low end of the market, potentially picking up those who currently use feature phones, may find a niche.